UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — Visitors to one of the several campus recreation buildings at University Park may have noticed some changes taking place over the past few months. Patrons are now required to enter buildings through the main entrance and swipe a Penn State ID card or membership card for access.

Starting this fall, changes will continue as Campus Recreation, a division of Student Affairs, rolls out a new membership program on the campus.  

One of the most notable changes is that Penn State students no longer need to purchase a fitness membership to use the Campus Recreation facilities. The membership for full- and part-time students is included as part of the Student Initiated Fee paid each semester.

In the past, faculty, staff and students were required to purchase a fitness membership to access one of the three fitness centers on campus or attend a fitness class. They were required to purchase a separate membership to access the swimming pools. 

With the rollout of the new program, a membership — called a Campus Recreation membership — will give patrons access to all three fitness centers (White Building, IM Building and Hepper Fitness Center), most fitness classes, and open recreation areas (indoor track, basketball, racquetball, squash, volleyball, table tennis, badminton, etc.) in the IM and White buildings. Members will also have access to the Natatorium and the outdoor pool.

Patrons of any of the Campus Recreation facilities will be required to swipe into the building using a valid Penn State ID card or membership card with an active Campus Recreation membership.

Also new, Campus Recreation will offer a limited number of community memberships on a first-come, first-served basis to dues-paying members of the Penn State Alumni Association who would like to use the Penn State facilities.

The future use of Rec Hall is being evaluated and any changes will be determined within the next few months, until then a Campus Recreation membership will be required at this location as well. The University will share more information and updates as it becomes available.

“Changing the way we structure memberships will ensure that we are able to offer the best recreational experience to our students and the campus community,” said Josh Davis, assistant director of Campus Recreation for Membership Services and Outreach. “We have the opportunity to really enhance our offerings while also making our facilities safer and more welcoming by introducing practices that have been standard at many of our peer institutions for years.”

Penn State students and other patrons will be able to see some of those enhanced offerings in August with the completion of the IM Building renovation. The renovation, funded almost entirely through student fees, includes innovative new spaces such as climbing and bouldering walls, a wellness suite, an indoor track, squash courts and table tennis.

“Throughout the renovations and the development of the new membership program, we really considered students’ needs and students were able to provide a lot of input,” said Davis. “All of the changes happening in Campus Recreation align with our goals to create a student-centric recreation space and a more holistic wellness experience for our patrons.”   

For more information on membership fees, start dates and guidelines, visit Campusrecmembership.psu.edu. For additional questions about memberships or facility access, e-mail recmembership@psu.edu.

How much will a Campus Recreation membership cost?

Students — The Campus Recreation membership will be included for part- and full-time students as part of the Student Initiated Fee. If a student drops below part-time status at some point during the semester, their membership will expire. Students who are not actively taking classes during the summer also will have the opportunity to purchase a membership for $57.

Faculty/staff/retirees — A faculty/staff/retiree membership will cost $50 per month, $95 per semester or $230 annually. Semester memberships are based on three semesters — fall, spring and summer. Annual memberships run from the beginning of fall semester to the last day of summer classes.

Community members — Campus Recreation will offer 200 memberships for community members at a cost of $500 annually. To be eligible for membership, community members must be 18 or older and be a dues-paying member of the Penn State Alumni Association.

Visit the Campus Recreation membership website for membership details and specific start and end dates.

I don’t use the fitness centers, I just go to walk the track, play basketball, etc. Do I still have to purchase a membership?

Yes. With the new Campus Recreation membership, an active membership is required for anyone to enter the Campus Recreation facilities (IM Building, White Building, Hepper Fitness Center, Natatorium). Users must swipe their valid Penn State ID or membership card upon entering the building. Once inside, members will have access to fitness centers, gyms, tracks, courts and pools.

Can I bring a spouse/partner or guest to one of the Campus Recreation facilities?

Penn State faculty, staff and students are eligible to purchase a Campus Recreation membership for their spouse or partner. The cost is $95 per semester or $230 annually. Visit the Campus Recreation membership website for more information.

A limited number of guests/day passes are available for purchase by any active member. Guest passes are valid for one day only and cost $10. Visit the Campus Recreation membership website for details.

Can I bring my son/daughter or other dependent to a Campus Recreation facility?

You must be 18 or older to be eligible for a Campus Recreation membership or guest pass. Persons under 18 will not be permitted in the building unless they are a fully enrolled Penn State student or enrolled in an approved Penn State program, such as swimming lessons or sports camps.

Why is Campus Recreation making these changes?

These changes will bring Penn State in line with our peer institutions. Access control will allow Campus Recreation to better monitor traffic in and out of the building to keep the building safe for all users in compliance with Penn State policy (Penn State policy AD73 Accessing Athletic and Recreational Facilities). Membership changes will allow Campus Recreation to provide a more comprehensive and contemporary collegiate recreation experience to the Penn State community with more staffing, new programming and services, as well as new state-of-the-art facilities.